DA deploys task force to pursue price violators

April 2, 2020

The Department of Agriculture (DA) deployed a task force to go after the violators of price freeze or the "Price Act" amid the declaration of the state of national emergency because of COVID-19.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar warned violators as he emphasized the government's effort to speed up movement of farm and fishery products to stabilize supply and prices of goods.

Dar said despite their "repeated appeal, many retailers still do not follow the suggested retail price and price freeze on agri-fishery products, taking advantage of consumers in this time of crisis."

"We therefore warn traders, retailers and hoarders that government is serious to apprehend and file cases against them if they continue to take advantage of our countrymen particularlry during this state of national emergency," he said.

"Hence, the Department of Agriculture is strengthening its Bantay Presyo Task Force (BPTF) to monitor prices of basic agricultural commodities, enforce the suggested retail price (SRP) policy, and go against cartels, hoarders and profiteers," Dar said.

Dar said the task force hopes ''to apprehend erring retailers, unscrupulous traders and hoarders, and file appropriate charges against them for violating the Price Act or R.A. 7581.''

The DA said "the price freeze policy is contained under a joint memorandum circular forged by the DA, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Department of Health."

"The price freeze covers all persons, including those who sell through the internet or other media. It sets a price ceiling for basic commodities “should the existence or effects of COVID-19 continue to persist beyond the 60-day period," it added.

According to DA, the Bantay-Presyo Task Force is composed of three teams, namely price monitoring, enforcement, and adjudication.

The price monitoring team "is tasked to conduct regular monitoring of prices and supply of agricultural commodities throughout the food supply chain, from the farm and fishing ground to various markets."

"The team will also analyze price trends, provide basis for establishing SRP or price ceilings, develop a data system on prices, identify and investigate causes of market and price irregularities, and identify Price Act violations and violators," it stated.

The DA said the enforcement team "is tasked to issue a letter of inquiry (LOI) to retailers and traders found violating the SRP. It serves as a fact-finding unit that documents proof of violation, and submits its report to the adjudication team".

The adjudication team files appropriate case before the proper court if it finds prima facie evidence against SRP violators, hoarders and profiteers.

According to DA, violators of the Price Act will be fined between P5,000 and P2 million and face imprisonment between five and 15 years. Robina Asido/DMS